The anticipation of a week's worth of daily hassle and hustle can work us into a state of dread on Monday morning or even from Sunday night. While a major change could alter this reality, often it is the relatively small and simple things we do over time that has the biggest impact on how we approach a new week. Begin weaving the following practices into the fabric of your daily life. Gradually, you will be able to jump into your week with energy, gratitude and enthusiasm.
Rise early – Maybe your fast-paced lifestyle has prevented you from enjoying some valuable time alone. Get up earlier - pray, read and meditate. Count your blessings; this generates humility and gratitude. Savour the stillness of dawn, listen to the early birds singing, watch the sun rise, write in your journal, watch your children sleep, exercise, and review your to-do list. These early morning moments help to steady and clarify your thoughts and mellow your emotions. It's a ritual guaranteed to get each day off to a good start.
Make a difference – In the busyness of your life, it is easy to forget the people who rely on you for their daily living. Don't take them for granted - street vendors, shopkeepers, gardeners, taxi, maxi and bus drivers, the people who deliver the newspaper, etc. Don't begrudge paying them for their products and services. Be kind and courteous towards them; the benefit is two-fold. Take the time to connect on a personal level with all the people who count on your patronage on a daily basis.
Find joy in your work – Think of at least one aspect of your job that you like, regardless how insignificant it may seem. Maintain a sense of perspective about your work by thinking of the small part you play in the grand scheme of the company. Sometimes it is difficult to see past your present work situation when there is a burning desire to be somewhere else and doing something different. Until the time is right to leave, save enough money or complete your studies; you may have to continue where you are for a while. Savour the journey to where you want to be.
Mine your circumstances – Don't waste time blaming others for your current circumstances; you only keep yourself in a downward spiral of anger, bitterness, discontent and depression. Dig into your current situation, extricate all that's positive and use it as inspiration to improve your life and help others.
Set Goals – A person without life goals is like a leaf drifting aimlessly in the wind. Start with a few small, manageable, daily or weekly goals and you will experience the exhilaration of accomplishment as you tick off each one. When goal setting becomes part of your life, you will view each week as an opportunity to set and achieve important goals.
Make time for leisure – Don't let anyone call you dull or say you need to "get a life". Work, home, church and community offer enormous benefits and fulfilment. Add an element of leisure in the mix of your work, home and church duties and activities and you'll add another dimension to your life. What helps you unwind, replenishes your soul or engages your creative side? Schedule time for it. Make it a priority. Leisure will enhance the overall story of your life.
Do you cringe at the thought of a new week? Go for a measured change instead of an immediate turnaround. Adopt these habits and gradually, you will learn to jump into each week with energy, gratitude and enthusiasm.